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Quite a few years ago I took an introduction to beekeeping class at NC State University. It was a requirement of my major to take a natural science class. Who knew it would spark such a fascinating hobby. 
In the class, Dr. Ambrose talked about using oversized playing cards taped to the front of the hives, just above the entrance. Dr. Ambrose praised how the use of these cards acted as a fantastic hive identifier. Instead of going to "Hive #24" you can go to "The 7 of Clubs."
In addition to using the cards for your own benefit, Dr. Ambrose discussed how the bees were actually able to use the cards to distinguish their home from their neighbor's. He claimed that the bees were able to tell the difference between a club, diamond, heart, and clover, and could count the difference between the 3 of diamonds and the 5 of diamonds. According to him, this greatly reduced drifting.
Sadly, Dr. Ambrose retired a few years ago, and I have never heard of anyone else using such a method. Has anyone on here had success with such a system? Tried it? Even heard of it?
If so, where does one even find weather proof playing cards?
In the class, Dr. Ambrose talked about using oversized playing cards taped to the front of the hives, just above the entrance. Dr. Ambrose praised how the use of these cards acted as a fantastic hive identifier. Instead of going to "Hive #24" you can go to "The 7 of Clubs."
In addition to using the cards for your own benefit, Dr. Ambrose discussed how the bees were actually able to use the cards to distinguish their home from their neighbor's. He claimed that the bees were able to tell the difference between a club, diamond, heart, and clover, and could count the difference between the 3 of diamonds and the 5 of diamonds. According to him, this greatly reduced drifting.
Sadly, Dr. Ambrose retired a few years ago, and I have never heard of anyone else using such a method. Has anyone on here had success with such a system? Tried it? Even heard of it?
If so, where does one even find weather proof playing cards?